2.1 The ICC Durban The Honourable Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoane-Mashabane, briefed the Committee of the preparedness and readiness of her department with all the processes in place for hosting the United Nations conference on Climate Change, COP17, in Durban, 28 November to 9 December 2011. This undertaking is in fulfilment of the objective stated in the Department's Strategic Plan 2010-2013, to deliver a world class and truly African COP17. In confirmation of the acceptability of the plans for hosting, the United Nations and the Government of South Africa signed the Host Agreement on 30 September 2011 in Panama. Signing signalled satisfaction and trust on the part of the UN on South Africa to deliver on its promise a deliver a memorable and successful COP17.